JoyOfStamping

I can’t even begin to describe the friendships I have made through this crafting industry.  Some of my best and closest friends come from this craft.  I love how there are so many that I have built a relationship with… may not talk to for months, but we can pick up right where we left off.  So many laughs shared with friends.  It truly is the best!

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Plano, Texas to help my dear friend Monica Smith with a weekend filled with Tim Holtz classes for her store, Stamp Asylum.  Over 100 students in each class… with 2 classes a day.

My connecting flight was in Phoenix, where I was greeted at the gate by my BFFs MJ and tim. Always nice to see my boyz.  The three of us hopped on a plane and headed to Dallas.  Monica picked us up and we stopped for some grub…. Texas BBQ.

Before setting up, we got to do a little shopping.  MJ needed a new watch and we found the perfect one for him!  LOL!

After the grub and shopping, we needed to get to work.  There was lots of work to be done…. lots of tubs to unload… lots of setting up to take care of.  These guys are so incredibly organized.  It is truly unbelievable.

It was time for classes and I got to meet so many nice Texas ladies and gentlemen.  It was fun to see all of the cool projects and be inspired.

Again, I am so super duper grateful for the friends I have made in this industry.  Some of my girlfriends from Splitcoaststampers came to have lunch with me.  Always great to see Jen Del Muro, Susan Liles, and Jenn Balcer.

I was so thrilled that Jenn was going to be able to take a class.  She drove all the way from San Antonio.  She is one of my first girlfriends from this crafting industry.  We met on SCS and have been through quite a bit together.  She is one of those friends that we can pick up right where we left off.  Even if we haven’t talked in months, its like we never lost communication.  I do think of her often and cherish the time we can spend together.  I absolutely love this D girl!

It’s always tough to say goodbye to friends…. but at least I had something to look forward to…. a Ranger Trip.

Again…. this industry has brought me some amazing friends!  Even if I haven’t met everyone in person, it is amazing to be able to connect with them online and feel like they are truly friends.  When Kaz told me that she got accepted to Ranger U, we joked about me coming out to see her since she is petrified to fly and she was coming all the way from the UK.  We didn’t know when we would have the opportunity again…. more talks back and forth… and before you knew it, I was booking a flight to New Jersey.  LOL!  Some of my other besties were going to be there, too….

Chelle Fowler (our inspiration team coordinator and a dear sweet friend) had also gotten accepted to Ranger U.  So, she picked me up at 5:00 am and we headed to the airport on Thursday morning.

With the lack of sleep, not to mention the excitement, we got the giggles and we couldn’t stop laughing…. fun fun plane rides.  Long… but it goes by fast when you are with a dear friend.

Chelle got to get all inky during Ranger U…. I was there to help with what I could…. kitting, running errands, special projects or just being entertainment.  LOL!  I enjoyed spending time with my BFF.  He always made sure that the students were well fed.  He also took me for a tour of the Jersey Shore.  We got lost, but we enjoyed the scenery and had fun trying to find our way back to Ranger.

I was also excited for a Ranger U tradition…. Square Pizza day!

Meeting Kaz was worth every penny!  She is such a sweet and genuine person.  So beautiful… inside and most definitely outside.  She had us cracking up and she taught us new British terminology.  I also adore her Milly.  I hope to be able to see them both soon!

Friendship…. love these two girls!  Genuine!

But, of course the weekend wouldn’t be complete without a few laughs.  Ted, was being such a good boy during class…. and he sure would let lose after class.  LOL!

I am fortunate to be a part of this industry.  I am fortunate to have made some amazing friends.  I cherish these people.

I am a …. lucky lucky girl!